As its motto suggests, a local museum plans to have “history on display” in the next few months for local residents, as a military history museum is slated to open north of Interstate 40.

The Museum of Military History is set to open sometime in May, giving Arkansas River Valley residents an opportunity to view memorabilia from different wars throughout America’s history.

“The purpose of this museum is to preserve and to display information about our country’s military for our children, and their children, to always be aware of the sacrifices our veterans made for them,” a museum newsletter stated. “The National Guard in Russellville and Paris have been very instrumental in helping us get items for display.”

The museum, which will be located north of interstate 40 near Dover in a 1,000-foot area of a warehouse the organizers have begun renovating the area for use.

The museum is about to begin accepting memorabilia from local residents after generating a growing interest in donating to the project.

The museum will be divided into sections, and each section will be dedicated to a specific American war, from the Revolutionary War to the War in Afghanistan. Organizers have promises from local residents to bring memorabilia, papers and books, and also uniforms, weapons, and helmets.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for around Veteran’s Day.

Organizers don’t expect to charge admission to the museum, but they will have a accept donations.

For more information, contact director Lee Fields at (479) 331-0399. For people interested in donating, send donations to The Museum of Military History, P.O. Box 1957, Russellville, AR 72811.